Welcome to Karen Loase's recipe website. This is a compilation of my favorite recipes collected over the years and includes recipes from my generous friends and family. Use the search engine (top left corner) to help you find a particular dish or recipe contributor. Click on "Older Posts" on the very bottom right to see older recipes. My thanks and appreciation to all who have shared fabulous recipes with me. I hope you will find one or two new ones to try. Bon Appétit!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Jennifer's Butternut Squash Soup

Absolutely delicious! This flavorful soup has an excellent taste and texture. It is light, creamy and healthy for you. This signature dish comes from my buddy, Jennifer Powell, of San Diego, pictured here relaxing at Sundance, Utah. This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights in Alaska, where Jennifer resides part of the year with her husband, Denny, and daughter, Katie.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds butternut squash

3 Golden Delicious apples

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp hot chili flakes

Salt and pepper (to taste)

3 T minced fresh chives

Rinse squash; cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place halves cut side down in a 12- by 17-inch baking pan. Peel, halve, and core apples; add to pan, along with 1/4 cup water. Bake in a 400° regular or convection oven until squash and apples are tender when pierced, about 45 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scoop flesh of squash from peels; discard peels. In a blender or food processor, in batches if necessary, whirl squash, apples, and broth until smooth. Pour purée into a 4-quart pan. Add wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors, about 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chives. Serves 4.

About Me

I am a food enthusiast who resides in Alameda, CA with my boyfriend, Denny. In my former life, I was a Human Resources Staffing Manager for a high tech government contractor in San Diego. I have no formal culinary training, but just love to cook and try out new recipes. Everyone enjoys a good meal, so I stay connected to family and friends by sharing recipes of memorable meals and good times together.